Somatic Bodywork at Soma Institute-The National School of Clinical Massage Therapy
with a smaller student body of 253 in Chicago, IL.
Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $23,044 at Soma Institute-The National School of Clinical Massage Therapy come in 12% above the national median of $20,587 for Somatic Bodywork programs.
Some AI exposure exists in Somatic Bodywork's career paths, with 27% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 33% gap from the optimistic case.
With first-year pay of $23,044 far exceeding the $7,916 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.
At #64 of 224 Somatic Bodywork programs, Soma Institute-The National School of Clinical Massage Therapy scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.
Earnings grow from $23,044 to $33,180 over five years — a 44% increase that's moderate and in line with typical trade career progression.
Somatic Bodywork has a registered apprenticeship option through Certified Massage Therapist (Cmt) with a median wage of $57,950/yr — worth exploring for students who prefer structured on-the-job training.
Earnings Overview
Projected 10-Year Earnings
Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.
Top Career Paths
Top career paths for Somatic Bodywork graduates by median salary.
| Career Path | Median Salary | Growth | AI-ProofAI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health specialties teachers, postsecondary | $105,620 | +17.3% | 52% |
| Massage therapists | $57,950 | +15.4% | 93% |
About Somatic Bodywork Careers
Your journey often begins as a licensed massage therapist. You'll work in settings from serene spas and wellness centers to busy chiropractic offices, using your hands, oils, and specialized tools to perform techniques like deep tissue and myofascial release. Your days involve client consultations, hands-on therapy, and careful session documentation. As you build a reputation and client base, many practitioners go independent, opening a private studio or a mobile practice for greater control over their schedule and income. This is deeply human, hands-on work that can't be outsourced to AI or done from a laptop.